Kingsferry Bridge in Sheppey closed by gas leak

The Kingsferry Bridge links the Isle of Sheppey and the Kent mainland

A bridge which links the Isle of Sheppey to Kent has been shut since Wednesday, as engineers repair a major gas leak.

Two fire crews were also at the Kingsferry Bridge on Wednesday, while the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway of the A249 on the Sheppey Crossing was also shut.

A spokeswoman for the gas company SGN said: "Our engineers are continuing to respond to a high-volume gas escape along Sheppey Way on the Kingsferry Bridge.

"For everyone's safety, we need to close the road tonight while we carry out emergency repairs, and a signed diversion route will be in place for motorists."

The A249 was closed because of the gas leak

Southeastern Railway confirmed trains were halted on Wednesday, but running again on Thursday.

The pipes carrying gas to Sheppey are thought to be as old as the bridge, which was opened in April, 1960.

In 2023 SGN applied for permission to replace the gas main which serves the Island and runs along the road and through the bridge.

SGN wants to sink a new pipe under the Swale, as Southern Water did when its pipes failed and left the Island without water in July 2022.

In its application SGN published photos of the state of the 65-year-old mains.

The pipes have been in place for 65 years

The bridge was also closed in June when it was hit by a boat.

In 2024 it was shut for several weeks when Network Rail was forced to replace dozens of 30-year-old steel cables which lift the road section.